Going Bananas for (Fairtrade) Bananas

Most people love fruit. Bananas, in particular, are a popular fruit that act as a prebiotic, antacid, antioxidants, B-vitamins, regulates blood sugar, helps increase calcium absorption, and more. This magical fruit has so many health benefits, it’s no wonder it’s such a popular food and such a huge commodity in global agricultural trade.

Unfortunately, like with many commodities, there is a very dark side to the banana industry. According to Fairtrade.net five corporations control about 80% of banana sales on the worldwide market, leaving few options for small banana farmers as competition with the corporations is futile. This lack of option leaves the plantation workers vulnerable, which the corporations take advantage of. The plantation workers are treated terribly – no job security, toiling in the hot sun for 12-14 hours a day, working amidst the harmful pesticides. Most of the money from the revenue of bananas go towards packing, fertilizer and pesticides – about 70 kg per hectare/year in an average banana plantation. Recently there have been more international quality requirements, increasing the corporations’ production costs, often leading to unpaid overtime for the workers.

Fair Trade pays farmers a liveable wage, and gives them safe working conditions to work in. Sometimes, farmers even receive extra money to assist with investments for their families’ well-being or given opportunities to join social programs.

Proﬁts must be equally distributed among the members of the co-operative or association.

All the members of the producer organization have a voice in the decision-making process and in the group organization.

Fair Trade Standards for fresh fruit plantations:

A Joint Body is formed and includes workers and a management team responsible for the use of the premium, which can’t be used to cover ongoing operation costs, but instead to improve working conditions.

Forced labour and child labour of children of 15 years and under is prohibited. Work for children over 15 must not interfere with their education and they must not do work that could risk their health.

Workers have the right to establish or join an independent union.

Salaries must be equal to or higher than the regional average or than the minimum wage in effect.

Health and safety measures must be established in order to avoid work-related injuries.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda and salt. Mix in the oil, bananas and eggs.

Stir in the chocolate chips or chopped up chocolate pieces (don’t over-mix!). Pour into the greased and floured pan.

Bake until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean, about 60-80 minutes.

Cool the loaf in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out and cool completely, right side up.

About the Author

We are a not-for profit, volunteer based organization.
We are dedicated to:
- Promote the availability and awareness of Fair Trade products in Toronto.
- Support and encouraging businesses that sell Fair Trade Goods in Toronto.
- Assist campuses and other cities receive a Fair Trade designation.